Systems and methods accommodating relative motion in spine stabilization

Abstract

A motion interface structure for use with a pedicle screw is provided, the motion interface structure defining a central passage having an internal face. A helical thread is formed on at least a portion of the internal face of the central passage. The motion interface element is designed to cooperate with an upstanding region of a pedicle screw. The upstanding region includes a threaded region that is adapted to threadingly engage the helical thread associated with the motion interface element. The motion interface element may take the form of a spherical element or a universal joint mechanism. The pedicle screw and motion interface element may be incorporated into a spinal stabilization system that includes one or more additional pedicle screw / motion interface element subassemblies. The spinal stabilization system may also include a dynamic stabilizing element that provides clinically efficacious results.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application claims the benefit of the following co-pending applications: (i) a non-provisional patent application entitled “Dynamic Spine Stabilization,” filed on Apr. 30, 2004 and assigned Ser. No. 10 / 835,109; and (ii) a provisional application entitled “Dynamic Spine Stabilization,” filed on Jun. 23, 2004 and assigned Ser. No. 60 / 581,716. The above-noted non-provisional patent application claimed the benefit of two provisional patent applications, i.e., a first provisional application entitled “Dynamic Spine Stabilization,” filed on May 2, 2003 and assigned Ser. No. 60 / 467,414, and a second provisional application entitled “Dynamic Spine Stabilization,” filed on Sep. 30, 2003 and assigned Ser. No. 60 / 506,724. The present application also claims the benefit of each of these first and second provisional applications. In addition, each of the four (4) foregoing patent applications is incorporated in its entirety herein by ref...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] According to the present disclosure, advantageous devices, systems and methods for spinal stabilization are provided. According to preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, the disclosed devices, systems and methods provide dynamic stabilization to the spine so as to provide clinically efficacious results. In addition, the disclosed devices, systems and methods offer clinical advantages, including ease of installation, versatility / flexibility in application, and superior clinical results for individuals encountering lower back pain and other spine-related difficulties.

[0014] According to exemplary implementations of the present disclosure, devices, systems and methods are provided that encompass one or more pedicle screws for attachment to spinal structures. The pedicle screw(s) of the present disclosure are typically employed as part of a spine stabilization system that includes one or more of the following advantageous structural and / or functional attributes:

[0018] Advantageous installation accessories (e.g., cone structures) for facilitating placement / installation of spine stabilization system components, such accessories being particularly adapted for use with conventional guidewire(s) to facilitate alignment / positioning of system components relative to the pedicle screw;

[0020] Advantageous dynamic spine stabilization connection systems that facilitate substantially rigid attachment of an elongated member (e.g., a rod) relative to the pedicle screw while simultaneously facilitating movement relative to adjacent structures (e.g., an adjacent pedicle screw) to permit easy and efficacious intra-operative system placement;

[0021] An advantageous “pre-load” arrangement for a securing structure (e.g., a set screw) that may be used in situ to mount a ball joint or other accessory component relative to the pedicle screw, thereby minimizing the potential for clinical difficulties associated with location and / or alignment of such securing structure(s).

[0023] Generally, the structures / functions of the threaded shaft portions of the pedicle screws disclosed herein are of conventional design. Thus, installation of the pedicle screws is generally undertaken by a clinician in a conventional manner. Selection and placement of the pedicle screws is generally based on conventional criteria, as are known to persons skilled in the art. However, unlike conventional pedicle-screw based systems, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure offer advantageous clinical results, e.g., based on ease and flexibility of rod / elongated member placement, dynamic attributes of the rod / elongated member in situ relative to the pedicle screws, and / or dynamic force delivery in response to spinal displacement stimulus.

Problems solved by technology

Clinical studies have also found that range of motion does not correlate well with low back pain.

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